For Hermès, what began as a maker of leather equestrian goods for European noblemen would eventually grow into one of the most storied fashion labels in the world. In 1837, German-born French entrepreneur Thierry Hermès opened a saddle and harness purveyor in Paris. Gradually, the house extended into accessories and luggage for its riders, and today, in paying homage to its origins, the family-run luxury brand resurfaces horse motifs in everything from clothing and modernist jewelry to pillows and handbags.
The first top-handled bag ever produced by Hermès was the Haut à courroies, which made its debut in 1892. A tall bag secured with a folded leather flap (fastened with bridle-inspired straps), it was designed to transport riding boots and a harness.
As the world made the switch from horse to automobile, the bag adapted, becoming a multifunctional travel satchel instead of a designated saddlebag. Today, 120 years later, the HAC remains in Hermès’s line — and its distinctive flap and clasping straps have laid the groundwork for some of the house’s other iconic bags.
In the 1930s, Robert Dumas (son-in-law to Émile-Maurice Hermès, Thierry’s grandson) designed a smaller, trapezoidal take on the flap bag with a handle and two side straps. Later, actress Grace Kelly, then engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, is said to have used one of these bags to conceal her pregnancy during the 1950s. Because she was photographed constantly, the coverage catapulted her handbag to international popularity.
In 1977, Hermès officially renamed the model for her, and the Kelly bag was born. Each Kelly bag takes between 18 and 25 hours to produce, and its 680 hand stitches owe solely to one Hermès artisan.
Robert Dumas was also responsible for another one of the brand’s most iconic offerings: the launch of its first silk scarf on the occasion of Hermès’s 100th anniversary in 1937. Based on a woodblock designed by Dumas and printed on Chinese silk, the accessory was an immediate hit.
Today, vintage Hermès scarves, typically adorned in rich colors and elaborate patterns, serve many functions, just as they did back then. Well-heeled women wear it on their heads, around their necks and, in a genius piece of cross-promotion, tied to the straps of their Hermès bags. Kelly even once used one as a sling for her broken arm.
In 1981, Robert Dumas’s son Jean-Louis Dumas, then Hermès chairman, found himself sitting next to French actress and musician Jane Birkin on a plane, where she was complaining about finding a suitable carryall for the necessary accoutrements of motherhood. After the two travelers were properly introduced, Birkin helped design Jean-Louis’s most famous contribution to the Hermès canon: the Birkin bag, a roomy, square catchall with the HAC’s trademark leather flap top and the addition of a lock and key.
Owing to the brand’s legendary commitment to deft, handcrafted construction, the Birkin is an investment that is coveted by collectors everywhere.
While the Kelly and Birkin may be standouts, gracing the arms of everyone from royal heiresses to hip-hop stars in the past few decades, the handbags are but a small part of Hermès’s fashion offerings.
Since the 1920s, the brand has produced some of the most desirable leather goods in the world. There’s the Constance bag, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy, the recently relaunched 1970s-era Evelyne and, on the vintage market, a slew of designs dating back to the 1920s.
Good design never goes out of style. Find a variety of vintage Hermès handbags, day dresses, shoes and more on 1stDibs.
HERMES white blue small checked cotton collared shirt EU39 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES white blue small checked cotton collared shirt EU39 M Reference: LACG/A00479 Brand: Hermes Material: Cotton Color: White, Blue Pattern: Checkered Closure: Button Extra Details...
$768Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Angora wool cashgora grey verticle stripe knit blazer FR48 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Angora wool cashgora grey verticle stripe knit blazer FR48 M Reference: PRWU/A00008 Brand: Hermes Material: Angora, Wool, Blend Color: Grey Pattern: Solid Closure: Button Lini...
Hermès "Les Danses des Indiens" Scarf
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès Les Danses des Indiens is in 100% silk twill, with hand rolled edges. Designed by coveted US artist, Kermit Oliver. Rare and collectible black colorway. Two small pulled threa...
Hermès 32mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit Brown x Gold 1H124
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: K in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 35" Width: .1" Height: 1" Waist Length: 34" OVERALL GOOD minus CONDITION ( 6.75/10 or B- ) Signs of...
Hermes Equestrian Chain Link Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Equestrian Chain Link Pattern Silk Tie Grey, silk tie designed with repeating equestrian chain link pattern in teal and red. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip...
$630Sale Price|20% Off
Hermes Paris Print Silk Tuxedo Set
By Hermès
Located in Paris, FR
Hermes silk "Paris" printed Tuxedo set featuring a bow and belt in a black and white "Paris" theme print. Circa 1980s In good vintage condition. Made in France. We guarantee you will...
HERMES navy woven handstitched details back pocketed dress trousers IT50 XL
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES navy woven handstitched details back pocketed dress trousers IT50 XL Reference: LACG/A00471 Brand: Hermes Material: Fabric Color: Navy Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Fly Extra De...
Hermes Men's Coups de Goua'H Swim Trunks Bleu M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes long swim trunks featured in Coups de Goua'H print. In Bleu colorway. H design with a gouache technique where the colours seem to be be under water. Trunks have an elastic wai...
HERMES taupe brown cashmere wool reversible fringed long scarf
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES taupe brown cashmere wool reversible fringed long scarf Reference: PRWU/A00212 Brand: Hermes Material: Cashmere, Wool Color: Brown, Taupe Pattern: Solid Made in: Italy CONDIT...
Hermes, Blue suede high top sneakers
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Blue suede high top sneakers. This item has been worn little and is in very good condition. Comes with box and dustbag.
Hermes Chain-Link Geometric Print Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Chain-Link Geometric Print Silk Tie Green, silk tie designed with the brand's signature geometric chain-link pattern. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the...
Hermes, Slip on sneakers in white leather
By Hermès
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Hermes, Slip on sneakers in white leather. The item is in good condition. Comes with box.
Hermes Men's White Linen Button Shirt with Detailed Cuffs
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes men's white linen button shirt has scallop hem edges as well as a patch breast pocket in front. The sleeve's cuff is detailed with a single silver hardware button along with a...
Hermes Chypre Brun Fume Woolskin / Shearling Men's Sandal 42
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Men's Brun Fume and Ecru Chypre Veau Indios Woolskin sandals featured in suede. The iconic H cutout over the top of the foot in Doblis with...
Hermes Men's "Shades of Blue" Pinstripe Button Shirt
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermes men's signature "shades of blue" pinstripe 100% cotton button down shirt measures 18" across the shoulders, neck-to-shoulder is 6 3/4", length is 32", underarm circumference i...
Hermes Detail H New Crewneck Men's Sweater Pierre S
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Detail H New sweater featured in Pierre (Stone). Detail H New inside the crewneck neckline in brown virgin wool. Long sleeve...
Hermes Cheval Rebelle Tie 7 Ciel Blanc and Marine Heavy Silk Twill
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tie 7 Cheval Rebelle featured in Ciel, Blanc and Marine colorway. Hand sewn heavy silk twill. Fun equestrian motif - Punk Mane! Hand-sewn silk twill. Made...
Hermès Vintage Silk Tie with Drum Motif, France, 1990s
By Hermès
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This vintage Hermès silk necktie is crafted in France from fine 100% silk and features a distinctive novelty drum motif on a brown diagonal stripe ground, a design characteristic of ...
$768Sale Price|20% Off
HERMES Angora Wool Cashgora beige verticle stripe knit boxy blazer FR48 M
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES Angora Wool Cashgora beige verticle stripe knit boxy blazer FR48 M Reference: PRWU/A00013 Brand: Hermes Material: Angora, Wool, Blend Color: Beige Pattern: Solid Closure: Butt...
Hermes Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie Dark green, silk tie designed with a chain-link pattern in yellow. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp Approx. £23...
Hermes Recto-Verso PM Muffler Light / Medium Gray Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Recto Verso PM Cashmere fringe muffler featured in Gray on Gray. Hermes embroidered on corner. Muffler has a 3" fringe. Can be worn as a muffler or neck s...
Hermès Hot Pink Geometric Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Hermès hot pink silk tie with mustard geometric print. Comes with original box.
Hermes Geometric Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Geometric Pattern Silk Tie Navy, silk tie designed with a geometric pattern in red and light blue. Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp Approx....
Hermes Men's H en Carreaux Boxy Fit T-Shirt Chanvre Short Sleeve M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes H en Carreaux Boxy Fit T-Shirt featured in Chanvre (Hemp). Subtle stich detail creates a tone on tone H motif. Ribbing around crewneck and sleeves. Short ...
Hermes Spider Robot Limited Edition Cashmere Black Cap Hat 60
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers a limited edition Hermes Black cashmere Spider Robot cap. The cap shows a blue and gray embroidered robotic spider across the front center. 2 Hermes Paris Clou de...
Hermes Men's Jacket White Cotton and Silk 41 /16
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes rare limited edition reversible men's casual jacket featured in White. A long sleeve jacket made of light, semi-sheer fabric. A large shaped interior pock...
$214Sale Price|35% Off
HERMES 7577 SA red green Thailand Pagoda Floral print silk tie
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES 7577 SA red green Thailand Pagoda Floral print silk tie Reference: TGAS/E00699 Brand: Hermes Model: 7577 SA Material: Silk Color: Red, Green Pattern: Ethnic Lining: Red Silk E...
Hermes Men's Chypre Olive Toile Black Leather Trim Sandal 44.5
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Men's Chypre Sandal featured in Olive Toile with Black leather Trim. Anatomical insole and H embossed Black rubber sole. Strap across foot is adjustable w...
Hermes Men's T-Shirt H 3D Embroidery Jaune D'Or Cotton M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes H 3D Embroidery T-Shirt featured in Hermes Jaune D'Or. Depicts embroidered H 3D. Short sleeve T with crew neck. Fabric is cotton. NEW or NEVER WORN. final sale SIZE M TOP ME...
Hermes Men's H Embroidered Polo Shirt Marine Short Sleeve L
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes H Embroidered Polo shirt featured in rich Marine. Embroidered H on pocket. 3 mother of pearl buttons. Short sleeve shirt. Classic style and effortless elegance. Fabric is cott...
Hermes Men's Cardigan / Jacket Zip Bleu Marine Suede/ Gray Cashmere M New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Guaranteed authentic Hermes Men's zip Bomber style cardigan / jacket featured in Suede and Cashmere. Casual elegance in Bleu Marine Suede and Gray Cashmere. Front suede panel has cas...
Hermes Dragon Print Cotton T-Shirt
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Dragon Print Cotton T-Shirt Rust brown, cotton t-shirt designed with an abstract dragon graphic print. Featuring a crew neck and short sleeves. ...
Hermes Sliding Jockey Twillbi Tie Gris Anthracite Blue
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Guaranteed authentic Hermes Sliding Jockey Twillbi silk tie featured in Gris, Anthracite and Bleu colorway. The tail hides the Ex-L...
Hermes Men's T-Shirt H Mini Patch Cuir Marine Cotton M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Mini Patch Cuir T-Shirt featured in Marine. Depicts a cheval au trait, a draft horse, in lambskin leather. Short sleeve T with crew neck. Fabric is cotton...
Hermes Men's T-Shirt H 3D Embroidery Kaki Fonce Cotton M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes H 3D Embroidery T-Shirt featured in Kaki Fonce. Depicts grey embroidered 3D H. Short sleeve T with crew neck. Fabric is cotton. NEW or NEVER WORN final sale SIZE M TOP MEASU...
Hermes Run H Hooded Pullover Sweater Silex M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Run H hooded sweater featured in Silex. Long-sleeve pullover hoodie cotton sweatshirt. Run H detail along both sleeves in black reflective Toilovent pipin...
Hermes Equestrian Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermes Equestrian Chain-Link Pattern Silk Tie Green, silk tie designed with an equestrian chain link pattern/ Featuring a classic cut with a pointed blade tip at the base. Rrp App...
HERMES grey croc leather colorblock high top sneaker EU41.5 Kanye West
By Hermès
Located in Hong Kong, NT
HERMES grey croc leather colorblock high top sneaker EU41.5 Kanye West Reference: TGAS/E00498 Brand: Hermes As seen on: Black seen on Kanye West Material: Leather Color: Grey, Red Pa...
Hermes Men's Polo Style Rouge H with Navy Edging XL
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes men's Rouge H polo style shirt. Contrasting Navy edging on collar, sleeve and on vents. Short sleeve shirt with 3 silver Clou de Selle buttons. Ribb...
Hermes Men's Fit T-Shirt H Gris Carriere Merino Wool M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes Fit T-Shirt featured in Gris Carriere. A thin merino wool tee designed for sport use. Short sleeve crew neck tee. Half zip with logo pull. Right side...
Hermes Men's Jacket Abstract H Design Grey Reversible Windbreaker 50
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes limited edition men's reversible men's windbreaker featured in Acier. Water repellent with reflective gray accents. The abstract logo print reverses to so...
Hermes Tri Maillon Beanie Cap Marine Cashmere M
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tri Maillon Beanie featured in Brume. This terrific beanie cap has the Tri Maillon motif in relief. Ribbed edge. 100% Cashmere....
Hermes Men's Blouson Zippe Jacket Cotton Bomber Style Zip Front 40 15 1/4 New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Hermes men's cotton Blouson Zippe bomber style jacket featured in Naturel. Jacket has front zip with logo embossed pull. Ribbed at hip and cuff. 2 side pockets. Fabric is cotton. NEW...
Hermes Men's Lightweight Technical Overshirt 48 / 38 New
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes men's very lightweight technical overshirt featured in Acier. Drawstring high collar and two front large pockets with buttons. Two slot side pockets. Clou...
Hermès 18mm Reversible Black x Brown x Gold H Logo Thin Belt Kit 930h17
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: A in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 33.5" Width: .1" Height: .75" OVERALL GOOD+ CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Waist Circumference in Inch...
Hermès Noir Box & Gold Chamonix James 32 Belt 90
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Hermès Noir Box & Gold Chamonix James 32 Belt 90 SKU: 120671 The Hermès Constance leather belt is a twin accessory to the house’s bag with the same name. An initial ‘H’ buckle ...
Hermes Muffler Tri Maillon Bleu Marine Cashmere
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an Hermes Tri Maillon Muffler featured in Marine. Muffler is oversized with the iconic chaine d'ancre woven throughout. Fabric is 100% cashmere. Made in Italy. Companion Bleu Marine...
Hermès 32mm Black x Brown Reversible H Logo Belt Kit 97he719s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: Z in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 29.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.1" OVERALL EXCELLENT VINTAGE CONDITION ( 8/10 or AB ) Accessories: Box, B...
Hermès 32mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit Black x Brown x Silver 105h3
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: E in a Square Made In: France Measurements: Length: 33.5" Width: .1" Height: 1" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Signs of Wear: Length in Inches to ...
Hermès Burgundy x Gold Reversible 24mm Constance H Logo Belt Kit 1014h12
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: I in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 26" Width: .1" Height: .75" OVERALL GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7/10 or B) Accessories: Box Signs of W...
Hermès Black x Brown 32mm Reversible H Logo Belt Kit 84h615s
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: Z in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 33.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.2" OVERALL GOOD CONDITION ( 7/10 or B ) Accessories: Box Signs of Wear: L...
Hermès Burgundy x Gold 42mm H Logo Constance Belt 1014h13
By Hermès
Located in Dix hills, NY
Date Code/Serial Number: H in a Circle Made In: France Measurements: Length: 30.5" Width: .1" Height: 1.5" OVERALL VERY GOOD VINTAGE CONDITION ( 7.25/10 or B+ ) Accessories: Box...
Hermès zipped jacket
By Hermès
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
HERMÈS - (Made in Italy) Khaki zipped jacket. Size L. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Shoulder width: 45 cm - Sleeve length: 79 cm - Length: 75 cm SKU:HFV17
Epsom is a stamped or embossed calf leather (as opposed to being a grained leather like Togo or Clemence, or a smooth leather like Swift or Box). It is lightweight and stiff; thus Epsom is known for its ability to retain structure over time. Epsom is the primary leather used to make Sellier Kelly and Birkin bags which feature outside stitching on its edges which result in a crisp and sharp line. Epsom is more rain-resistant than other calf leathers.
Select Hermes goods go on sale twice a year in Paris, but Birkins – being highly coveted–are not known to be found at the sale.